Shooting at San Diego Mosque Leaves Multiple Dead

San Diego police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont area on Monday morning. Officers were called to the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue around 11:40 a.m. after witnesses reported multiple shots fired at the center, which houses the county’s largest mosque and the Bright Horizon Academy school.

A heavy law enforcement presence, including SWAT teams, converged on the scene within minutes. Children and others were evacuated from the building while groups of young students walked hand-in-hand away from the site surrounded by scores of police vehicles.

By early afternoon, police declared the threat neutralized and the scene contained. High-level law enforcement sources told local outlets that two suspects were found dead nearby from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. San Diego police said in an initial statement that they were on scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego for a reported active shooter and asked the public to avoid the area.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations confirmed at least one fatality among the mosque community, bringing the reported death toll to three. A mosque official confirmed that the center’s security guard is among the dead. Imam Taha Hassane, director of the mosque, said at least three victims were killed, including a security guard and two staff members of the Islamic school on the center’s grounds.

" — Council on American-Islamic Relations, May 18, 2026 San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and was continuing to receive updates from law enforcement.

As of late Monday afternoon, police had not released the identities of the victims or suspects, nor any information on a possible motive. Homicide investigators remained on scene. The Islamic Center, a prominent hub for prayer, education and community events in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, was active with students and staff but not in the midst of formal prayers at the time of the shooting.

A reunification site was set up for families at 4125 Hathaway Street, and neighbors in the immediate area were initially told to shelter in place.